Meet Hanalei Maae: Jeweler & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hanalei Maae and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hanalei, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue a creative career because I felt there was no passion in where I was heading. Growing up I had it hammered into me that I had to do well in school and get accepted into a good college. I was led to believe that that was my only option for success. That earning a degree and working a solid nine to five would make me happy. It was halfway through college that I realized that the goal p[an I had set for myself didn’t bring me any sense of happiness or accomplishment. I was going through the motions in life, walking forward on steps that were placed there by others expectations for me. I was always a creative person. I had cycled through so many different hobbies before finally settling on making jewelry. I loved the idea that something as small as a bracelet or a ring could really showcase someone’s personality. When I started doing more research, practicing new methods, and setting up goals for myself to improve, I knew this was what I was meant to do. This fire I feel inside to make jewelry burns ten times brighter than any other goal for a nine to five could have given me. I know I have quite a ways to go before I’m where I want to be, but I meet those challenges with excitement.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like to call myself a jeweler of sorts. At the moment I make wire wrapped jewelry. I like to make pendants, rings, bracelets, and earrings with wire and natural stones and crystals. Aside from wire wrapping, I also like to make crystal wands and crowns using soft solder. When I’m able to, I like to incorporate the two to make something unique. I first introduced to wire wrapping in 2013. It looked like a lot of fun and I thought it would be as simple as wrapping some wire around a stone to wear it. It definitely wasn’t as simple as that. I was discouraged for some time before picking it back up in 2018. The first piece I made then was a snake pendant. I sat there for hours trying to compromise with the wire. I gifted this piece to a coworker of mine at the time. Word got around and soon enough I had more people asking to make them pieces as well. I loved this. I was finally able to practice with this medium. In 2019 I was eventually asked to be the main wire wrapper for the company I worked for. I am extremely grateful for this because this was the opportunity that allowed me practice my craft. Soon after I learned to work with soft solder. I was placed in environment that allowed me to challenge myself and grow. Some of the biggest lessons I had to learn was that I needed to be patient with myself and that I needed to have confidence in what I do. Skills require practice and time. I learned to be proud of each piece I make. I named my brand APieceofAmi because each piece I create is a journey in itself. A lot of love and energy goes into each wrap, every wand, and all the crowns I make. I like to think that each piece I’ve made carries a piece of my energy. My hope is that my customers can feel that and appreciate the unique item I’ve made just for them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend and I prefer relaxed and chill environments. You won’t really find us at any bars or clubs, but you can find us in book stores or metaphysical shops. One of our favorite restaurants to visit is a small pho spot in Hawaiian Gardens called Pho May. A nice hot noodle soup during the winter is definitely one of our favorites. For desserts or anyone with a sweet tooth, I would recommend checking out The Funnel House in Long Beach near The Pike. For fun we like to shop in different metaphysical shops for crystals and candles. Some of my favorites are House of Intuition in Long Beach, Psychic Eye Book Shops in Torrance, and finally Sacred Stone Gallery in Redondo Beach. We both absolutely crystals and unique finds, and these shops definitely deliver! For fun in the sun, I would recommend visiting any of the beaches out here in the area. Seal Beach, Redondo Beach, and Santa Monica are definitely worth visiting. I would recommend Seal Beach for anyone looking to just relax. In my experience this beach is a lot quieter than Redondo or Santa Monica. I do like visiting the other two if I want to walk around and shop around the area. Unfortunately due the current pandemic, a lot of the amusement parks are closed until further notice. It might be some time before we’d be comfortable to visit places like Universal Studios and the like. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve received so much love and support from my family and friends. In my moments of doubt, worry, or stress, I was able to lean on them knowing I was in a safe space. My older brothers have been some of my biggest supporters. They get excited for me, cheer me on, and encourage me to make the next steps I need to. I’ve had a few moments where I just wanted to give up and go back to working a regular job, but I always had someone in my ear helping me push forward. I would like to thank my best friend for sticking with me through this entire journey. She’s been there for the ups and the downs, and without her love I’m not sure how far I would have made it. There are so many others I’d like to thank, but trying to cram it all into one passage wouldn’t do them justice. I do my best to take time out and thank them either in person or through text message. Just reminding them that they all hold a special place in my heart.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/APieceOfAmi

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